Money Matters: Money Myths • Ps Luke de Jong

Devotional

Day 1: God Desires Us to Live in Abundance and Sufficiency

God’s heart is for His people to experience not just enough, but an overflow—an abundance that enables us to be a blessing to others. He is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you will always have all sufficiency in all things and an abundance for every good work. This is not about prosperity for its own sake, but about being positioned to meet needs, release vision, and serve others as God’s hands and feet. Imagine a life where financial limitation does not hold you back from generosity or purpose; this is the freedom God wants for you as you trust His way with your resources. [09:18]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel limited by finances, and how might trusting God’s promise of sufficiency change your perspective or actions this week?

Day 2: God’s Blessings Are Both Spiritual and Material

God’s desire is not only for your soul to prosper but for you to succeed and be in good health in every way—including your material needs. The abundant life Jesus promises is not just a spiritual reality but also includes practical provision and fruitfulness. God wants you to embrace a mindset of blessing, to believe that He cares about your physical and material well-being as much as your spiritual health. This is not about obsession with wealth, but about living as a child of a loving Father who delights in caring for every aspect of your life. [17:59]

3 John 2 (ESV)
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."

Reflection: Where have you separated your spiritual life from your material needs, and how can you invite God into both areas today?

Day 3: The Love of Money, Not Money Itself, Is the Root of Evil

Money is not evil; it is a tool that can serve great purposes when held with the right heart. The danger comes when money becomes the object of our affection and trust, leading us away from faith and into sorrow. God wants you to value money for what it is—a servant, not a master—and to keep your trust anchored in Him, who richly provides all you need for your enjoyment. When you love God more than money, you are free to use resources for good without being ensnared by them. [19:40]

1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

Reflection: Is there an area where money has begun to take priority over your relationship with God, and what step can you take to realign your heart today?

Day 4: Faithfulness with What You Have Unlocks God’s Trust for More

It’s not about how much or how little you have, but about your faithfulness with what is in your hand right now. Jesus teaches that those who are faithful with little will be faithful with much, and that you cannot serve both God and money. The spirit of mammon seeks to divide your loyalty, but God calls you to surrender your finances to Him, trusting that He will provide and multiply as you steward well. Your response to what you have today determines the doors God can open for you tomorrow. [29:48]

Luke 16:10-13 (ESV)
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Reflection: What is one small act of faithfulness you can take with your finances this week to demonstrate your trust in God?

Day 5: Trust in the Lord Brings Unshakeable Blessing

Those who put their trust and hope in the Lord are like trees planted by water—unmoved by drought, always green, and continually fruitful. No matter the economic climate or personal challenges, deep roots in God’s faithfulness allow you to thrive and bear fruit. God’s promise is that as you surrender every area—including your finances—to Him, you will experience a life that is not only blessed but also a blessing to others, resourced for every good work He calls you to. [37:57]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: What would it look like for you to trust God fully with your finances, and how might that change your response to challenges or opportunities this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to explore God’s heart and wisdom for our financial lives, seeking not just information but true transformation and freedom. Money is a subject that touches every one of us, regardless of our background or current situation. It’s the currency of this world, and whether we realize it or not, it often shapes our decisions, our relationships, and even our sense of security. Yet, God’s Word is not silent on this matter—He has a way, a plan, and a promise for us to live in abundance, not just for ourselves, but so we can be a blessing to others.

We began by confronting the reality that money matters, not because it’s the most important thing, but because it is a powerful force in our lives. The Bible speaks extensively about stewardship, accountability, and the role of money—far more than many other topics. The foundational truth is this: money is a terrible master but a great servant. God’s desire is that we would rule over money, not be ruled by it. He wants us to experience sufficiency and abundance, so that we are equipped for every good work.

We then addressed five common myths that often keep us bound or confused about money. First, the idea that money is not something we should focus on—when in fact, Scripture calls us to wise stewardship and open conversation. Second, the myth that God’s blessings are only spiritual, when the Bible clearly shows that God cares for our material needs as well. Third, the misquoted belief that money itself is evil, when it is actually the love of money that leads to trouble. Fourth, the notion that Jesus modeled a gospel of scarcity, when His life and teaching point to abundance and generosity. And finally, the myth that “it would be different if I had more,” when in reality, faithfulness with what we have now is the true test and pathway to freedom.

Ultimately, the question is not whether we have money, but whether money has us. God invites us to trust Him, to surrender every part of our lives—including our finances—to His lordship. When we do, we become like trees planted by the water, unshaken by drought, always fruitful. Imagine a church, a people, so surrendered and resourced that every need in our city and beyond could be met. This is not about a quick fix or a transactional faith, but about a journey of revelation, trust, and obedience. May we each seek God’s perspective, break free from limiting myths, and step into the abundant life He has for us.

Key Takeaways

1. Money is a terrible master, but a great servant When money dictates our decisions, it becomes a harsh master, leading to anxiety, division, and misplaced priorities. But when we surrender our finances to God and use money as a tool for His purposes, it becomes a powerful servant for good. The challenge is to continually examine whether we are serving God with our money, or serving money itself. [07:47]
2. God’s blessings are both spiritual and material God’s heart is not just for our spiritual well-being, but for our whole lives—including our material needs. Scripture reveals that He desires us to prosper, to have sufficiency in all things, and to be equipped for every good work. This abundance is not for self-indulgence, but so we can be a blessing to others and reflect His generosity in the world. [17:21]
3. The love of money, not money itself, is dangerous Money is morally neutral; it is our attachment and devotion to it that can lead us astray. When we love money, we risk wandering from faith and piercing ourselves with many sorrows. The antidote is to love God above all, holding our resources with open hands and trusting Him as our true provider. [19:40]
4. Jesus modeled abundance, not scarcity Contrary to the myth of a “scarcity gospel,” Jesus’ life was marked by generosity, provision, and overflow. He fed multitudes, celebrated with the best wine, and taught that those who give for His sake will receive abundantly. His example calls us to trust in God’s provision and to live open-handedly, knowing that we are blessed to be a blessing. [25:25]
5. Faithfulness with little leads to greater trust The pathway to financial freedom is not about how much we have, but about how we steward what we have now. Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small things is the foundation for greater responsibility and blessing. Our answer is found not in waiting for a miracle tomorrow, but in sowing the seed we possess today, trusting God’s promise of harvest. [29:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - God’s Voice Over Ours
[01:10] - Why Money Matters
[02:30] - The Pathway to Financial Freedom
[03:34] - God’s Plan for Abundance
[05:34] - Do I Have Money or Does Money Have Me?
[07:17] - Saver, Spender, and Finding Balance
[07:47] - Money: Master or Servant?
[09:00] - God’s Promise of Sufficiency
[11:30] - Myth 1: Don’t Focus on Money
[15:07] - Myth 2: Blessings Aren’t Material
[18:56] - Myth 3: Money is Evil
[22:42] - Myth 4: Jesus Modeled Scarcity
[28:38] - Myth 5: If I Had More
[31:39] - Money as a Divine Testing Ground
[34:44] - Seedtime and Harvest
[37:57] - Trusting God for Financial Blessing
[40:24] - Seeking Revelation, Not Just Inspiration
[41:23] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Money—Master or Servant?**

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### Bible Reading

**2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)**
> And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

**1 Timothy 6:10, 17 (ESV)**
> For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
> ... As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

**Luke 16:10-13 (ESV)**
> “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

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### Observation Questions

According to 2 Corinthians 9:8, what is God able to do for us, and for what purpose?
In 1 Timothy 6:10, what is described as the root of all kinds of evil, and what are the consequences mentioned for those who crave it?
In Luke 16:10-13, what does Jesus say about faithfulness with little versus much, and what does He say about serving two masters?
The sermon mentioned that money is a terrible master but a great servant. What are some ways the sermon described money acting as a master versus a servant? [07:47]

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Bible talks so much about money, stewardship, and accountability? What does this reveal about God’s heart for us? [12:19]
The sermon says, “God’s blessings are both spiritual and material.” How does this challenge or affirm your current understanding of what it means to be blessed? [17:21]
Jesus says, “You cannot serve God and money.” What does it look like in real life to serve money instead of God? How might someone know which one they are serving? [30:13]
The sermon points out that faithfulness with little leads to greater trust and responsibility. Why do you think God cares about how we handle what we have now, even if it seems small? [29:14]

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### Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to ask, “Do I have money, or does money have me?” Take a moment to reflect: In what ways do you see money influencing your decisions, priorities, or sense of security? [05:34]
The message exposed the myth that “it would be different if I had more.” Are there areas in your life where you’re waiting for “more” before you act in faith or generosity? What is one small step you could take this week to be faithful with what you have now? [28:38]
The sermon said, “God wants us to experience sufficiency and abundance, so that we are equipped for every good work.” How might your view of abundance change if you saw it as a way to bless others, not just yourself? [09:18]
The love of money, not money itself, is dangerous. Are there habits or attitudes in your life that might show an unhealthy attachment to money? What would it look like to “hold your resources with open hands” this month? [19:40]
Jesus modeled abundance, not scarcity. How does His example of generosity and provision challenge the way you think about giving, saving, or spending? Is there a practical way you can imitate Jesus’ generosity this week? [25:25]
The sermon described God’s promise of “seedtime and harvest”—that our answer is found in the seed we possess today, not just the miracle we hope for tomorrow. What “seed” (time, money, talent, encouragement) do you have right now that you could sow for God’s purposes? [36:39]
Imagine a church where everyone surrendered their finances to God’s lordship. What difference would that make in your family, your small group, or your city? What is one area of your financial life you want to surrender more fully to God? [39:06]

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Sermon Clips

We have to face the fact as to answering a question. Do I have money or does money have me? You see, if you think about it for a moment, you may say, no, no, money doesn't have me. But how many times have you promised yourself you'll do something significant only to say right after that, once I get that higher paying job, once I actually pay off that student loan? You know, once my savings has grown to a certain point, then I will. We've failed to realize how much money dictates our decisions. [00:05:50] (39 seconds) #MoneyOrMe

Could it be that God's design for Christianity and the church is that we would be so blessed that any and every need that ever exists on this earth could be met by God's abundance coming to you, to me, and flowing through us to the world around us? Money matters because foundations form the future of what God has for us. [00:10:46] (29 seconds) #GodsAbundance

Money matters, and you and I need to get to a place where it doesn't rule us, but we rule it. Money is something we should talk about, because it's actually where our faith gets embodied in real life. Think about it. The enemy wants nothing more than for you and I to shut up about money. If he can't get us to shut up about it, he'll at least get us ignorant around it. Or even what I've found to be true, he'll get us bound up in it. But God wants to set us free. [00:14:07] (45 seconds) #RuleYourMoney

The challenge for all of us is to realize we can't just live our lives for money. We live our lives for God. And therefore, if we love God more than we love money, evil doesn't live there. But make no mistake, because money answers everything, as Solomon put it. Money makes the world go around. Money's the currency of this world. It's a really fine line between what we live for. Many of us, if we're not careful, can fall into the trap of living for money rather than living for God. And that's where the birthplace of evil exists. [00:19:59] (40 seconds) #LiveForGod

Jesus says, I just need you to understand. If money's got your heart, I don't have it. You cannot serve God and mammon. This is where it gets a little bit quiet because the truth is, it's possible for you and I to still love God but live under the spirit of mammon. Mammon gets us to worship it and then attempts to control everything about us. What is mammon? Mammon is unsurrendered money. And it's actually empowered money to draw us away from God. So again, the question has to be asked, do I have money or does money have me? [00:30:57] (43 seconds) #MoneyOrMammon

Imagine God's church. Like imagine the kingdom of heaven that is operating right now through His church here on earth, being resourced enough to do every good work. Like it wouldn't be just a few thousand Christmas boxes. Like every family that goes without this Christmas in the city of Melbourne could be met. Like if you actually understand on a global scale, if every Christian just tithed, no expansion offering needed, like it's not needed. Because we have the resource to meet. So why is that? It's a lordship issue, not a finance issue. [00:39:19] (54 seconds) #HeartRevelation

Honestly, the worst thing you could do is go, oh, this is a give to get message. Okay, I'm going to give this week. I don't want you to do that. I want you to go to God and get revelation. That's why we don't take up offerings in the service, because I don't want it to be something where we're inspired. It has to be heart revelation. God, I actually want to trust that your word would reign true in the area of finances. [00:40:19] (22 seconds)

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